Cyber Sale ends soon! Last chance to book now and save up to 20% off* trips all over the world. Book Now!

Walk the Cairngorms in Summer

5 Days | See the best of the Scottish Highlands on your own two feet.

4.6 out of 5 based on 12 reviews submitted.
Walking & Trekking
From
EUR €1,190
View dates and book

There’s something to be said for exploring the Scottish Highlands in summer. While you won’t experience the sorts of scorching temperatures you might find in other parts of the world, you will find a vibrant countryside that’s come to life in the warmer weather. On this 5-day walking trip, you’ll have the chance to explore some of the region’s most striking peaks and most beautiful landscapes, with the guidance of a local leader who can share stories of the area and the conservation efforts in place to keep it pristine. Cool off with an afternoon on the ‘beach’ at the dreamy nearby Loch Morlich, where canoeing or stand-up paddle boarding are on option. Plus, you’ll have plenty of chances to enjoy the quaint village life – including few whiskys and a meal at a favourite local pub. And with your base being the small Scottish town of Aviemore, you’ll neither be on the move nor stretched for time each day, with plenty of time to explore your way. Welcome to the Cairngorms – a gateway into the real Scottish countryside.

Trip overview

Map of Walk The Cairngorms In Summer including United Kingdom
Start
Aviemore, United Kingdom
Finish
Aviemore, United Kingdom
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Destinations
United Kingdom
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Comfort
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
BWXA
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Experience the freedom of hiking in the UK’s largest and wildest National Park – the Cairngorms.
  • Hike a stage of the famous Speyside Way long distance trail, passing through heather moors and Caledonian pine forests on the way.
  • Walk around the dark blue waters of Loch an Eilein, where the ancient ruins of a 14th century castle sit atop a small island in the middle of the lake.
  • Your local leader will have plenty of local stories to share – especially about the nature of the Cairngorms National Park and conservation projects in the area.

Is this trip right for you?
  • There are a number of planned walks on this trip of varying lengths. Be sure to pack adequate footwear and clothing to suit hiking in the summer months.
  • This trip begins at 1pm on Day 1, so we suggest arriving in the morning or the day before to ensure you don’t miss the important welcome meeting.

Itinerary

Map of Walk The Cairngorms In Summer including United Kingdom

Inclusions

Meals

4 breakfasts

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus

Accommodation

Guesthouse (4 nights)

Activities
  • Loch an Eilein guided hike
  • Aviemore - Guided Speyside Way Trail hike
  • Craigellachie guided hike
  • Cairngorms Peak to Pub hike

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. This trip starts with a welcome meeting at 1pm on Day 1 in Aviemore. This trip ends on Day 5 after breakfast and you are free to leave at any time.
2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
3. Aviemore is on the mainline and has regular trains south to Edinburgh, Glasgow and beyond, as well as north to Inverness (which is the nearest airport). It’s possible to travel to Inverness Airport by a combination of train and bus.
4. If you plan to arrive by car, our accommodation offers free parking space on first-come-first-served basis. In case the car park is full, there is plenty of on street free and safe parking just outside of the hotel.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 based on 12 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Carolyn · Traveled September 2023
Review submitted 15 Oct 2023

Anne · Traveled September 2023
Walking Cairngorms in the Summer was an excellent introduction to the NP. I thoroughly enjoyed the hikes, Ben our guide was great and the Cairngorms GH is wonderful. Highly recommend this trip if you enjoy the outdoors and hiking. Lovely country, scenery and people.
Review submitted 19 Sep 2023

Clement · Traveled August 2023
If you are into beautiful scenery, wilderness, hiking, and are moderately fit (no need to be an athlete, but if you do not hike regularly, say 5-10k every other week, then this trip will be challenging for you). And if you don't mind packing a sweater, a windbreaker, and a T-shirt because all seasons in one day is a common occurrence in Scotland Then this trip is for you. It was the perfect fit for us. We are considering another trip to Scotland next year. This is how much we liked the Cairngorms.
Review submitted 22 Aug 2023

Christine · Traveled July 2023
I would highly recommend this trip. It was well paced and organised. The magical memories of the beautiful Aviemore mountains will stay with me.
Review submitted 18 Jul 2023

Abigail · Traveled May 2023
This trip is extremely fun and rewarding. Our tour leader Kate was lovely and had good knowledge of the flora and fauna and knew loads about the history of Scotland. Some of the walks on days 1-2 were potentially a bit on the dull side if you want the big views and scramble aspect. However the walk through the Chalamain gap and Craigellachie are phenomenal but definitely not easy you need a good pair of hiking boots and previous experience ideally. Would also highly recommend Loch Morlich on a sunny day- beautiful beach with options for SUP and kayaking. Aviemore is lovely town. I would also recommend Speyside snug for whiskey tasting.
Review submitted 06 Jun 2023
Walk the Cairngorms in Summer
From
EUR €1,190